Murder in Oregon law

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Murder in Oregon law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Oregon.

Contents

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, the state had a murder rate well below the median for the entire country. [1]

Felony murder rule

In the state of Oregon, the common law felony murder rule has been codified in Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.115. [2]

Murder

Under § 163.115, anyone in a group or alone that commits or attempts to commit a predicate felony, and in furtherance of the crime or in the immediate flight therefrom causes the death of a person other than one of the participants is guilty of murder. The predicate felonies are: [3]

Affirmative defenses

§ 163.115(3) provides affirmative defenses to murder under the felony murder rule. [4] It is an affirmative defense that the defendant:

Penalties

OffenseMandatory sentencing
Assisting suicide (non-euthanasia)Up to 10 years in prison
Criminally negligent homicide
Second-degree manslaughter
Aggravated vehicular homicide Up to 20 years in prison
First-degree manslaughter
Second degree murderLife (minimum of 25 years; 15 years if the defendant was a juvenile)
First degree murderLife without parole or life (minimum of 30 years for adults, 15 years if the defendant was under 18 and only an option)
Aggravated murderDeath, life without parole, or life (minimum of 30 years for adults, 15 years if the defendant was under 18 and only an option)

Notes

    References

    1. "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
    2. Oregon Revised Statutes Annotated, § 163.115 (West 2003)
    3. Bonnie, R.J. et al. Criminal Law, Second Edition. Foundation Press, New York: 2004, p. B-33.
    4. Bonnie, p. B-33.